Officer Coleman Arnel Beard

Coleman Arnel Beard, Age 72 transitioned from this earthly life to eternal life on Wednesday, December 14, 2022.


Coleman Arnel Beard was born in Nashville, Tennessee on March 31, 1950. He was the firstborn son to the late Betty Mai McHaney Beard and the late John Beard. Coleman departed this life suddenly, Wednesday, December 14, 2022.


Coleman professed his love for Christ at an early age. He was baptized at Wall’s Tabernacle AME Zion church.


Coleman was educated in the Metropolitan Nashville Public School system, attending Head Elementary School. An academically astute student Coleman graduated with honors from Pearl High School in 1968 and went on to attend Vanderbilt University as one of the first African Americans to be admitted into the university with an academic scholarship. Coleman went on to receive his Bachelor of Arts degree from Cumberland University and obtained a master’s degree from Trevecca Nazarene College.


Upon leaving Vanderbilt University, Coleman served his country by joining in the United States Navy, completing a tour of duty in Vietnam. Upon his return from Vietnam, Coleman met and married Barbara Haynes in 1971. Their union was blessed with four children, Adrian, Aundrea, Airrion and Ambra. Barbara and Coleman were married for 39 years until Barbara’s untimely passing in 2010.


In 1971 Coleman joined the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department and served for 35 years, attaining the rank of Lieutenant, and retiring in 2006.


Because of his love for community service Coleman worked for the Columbia Police Department while teaching Criminal Justice at Trevecca Nazarene College.


Coleman joined the United States Army Reserves serving more than 20 years, retiring with the rank of Major.


His last place of employment was with Tennessee State University’s police department.


His efforts were instrumental in assisting TSU with acquiring their police department’s accreditation.


In 2011, Coleman was blessed to find love again and married Tanya Larry. Coleman and Tanya would spend 11 beautiful years together.


Coleman was musically inclined. He enjoyed playing his keyboard, listening to music, especially all things Smokey Robinson. Music was the next best thing to heaven for Coleman.


Coleman held a wealth of knowledge and always took the opportunity to lend a hand, share wise counsel, and offer valuable advice and direction. He enjoyed nothing more than spending time with his family.
Coleman received numerous accolades and commendations. He will forever be missed.


He was preceded in death by his father Arthur C. Hamby and his stepmother Alexine Hamby; his brothers, Cornelius Beard and Arthur W. Hamby and his son Adrian M. Beard.


He leaves to cherish his loving memory: wife, Tanya Larry Beard; his children, Aundrea Beard, Airrion Sr. (Jewel) Beard, Ambra (Juan) Corder; his grandchildren, Roddricuss Turner, Ashley Corder, Adriah Johnson, Airrion Beard Jr., Vernon Johnson III, Jasmine Beard, Jada Corder, Zoie Corder, Jordan Beard; his great-grandchildren, Leia Shipp, Joshua Hopson Jr.; his sisters, Faye Williams, Donna (Brian) Priester, and Lisa Hamby; his devoted aunts, Frances Reeds and Sandra Williams; his loving in-laws, Albert (Frances) Larry; brother-in-law, Kenneth (Josie) Larry; sisters-in-law, Pamela Larry and Sharon (Carlton) Barker; extended family and a host of other relatives and many friends.


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